From 5 September 2022 Terrigal Medical Centre will have the Moderna Spikevax available for all children between 6 months of age and less than 5 years of age who have severe immunocompromise, disability, and those who have complex and/or multiple health conditions which increase the risk of severe COVID-19.

These include children with the following or similar conditions who are eligible to receive the vaccination as a two-dose course 8 weeks apart:

• Severe primary or secondary immunodeficiency, including those undergoing treatment for cancer, or on immunosuppressive treatments as listed in the ATAGI advice on 3rd primary doses of COVID-19 vaccine in individuals who are severely immunocompromised;
• Bone marrow or stem cell transplant, or chimeric antigen T-cell (CAR-T) therapy;
• Complex congenital cardiac disease;
• Structural airway anomalies or chronic lung disease;
• Type 1 diabetes mellitus;
• Chronic neurological or neuromuscular conditions; or
• A disability that requires frequent assistance with activities of daily living, such as severe cerebral palsy or Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21).

Parents of eligible children aged 6 months to <5 years recommended for vaccination should seek COVID-19 vaccination as soon as they are able to secure an appointment.

For an appointment for this vaccination please phone the Terrigal Medical Centre on 43853150.

We do not currently recommend vaccination for children aged 6 months to <5 years who are NOT in the above risk categories. These children have a very low likelihood of severe illness from COVID-19. However, this is under ongoing consideration based on data on the disease burden and epidemiology, vaccine supply, emerging data on vaccine use in this age group, and availability of new COVID-19 vaccines for this age group.

ATAGI reiterate the previous recommendation that all children aged 5 years or older are recommended to receive a two-dose course of COVID-19 vaccine.

If you are not sure if your child is eligible or you have any questions about the vaccination program please call for a telehealth appointment with your GP to discuss.